Why Adopt?

There are many good reasons to adopt rather than buy a pet. Here are a few of them:

Buying a pet can easily cost $500 to $1,000 or more. Adoption costs range from $50 to $150 at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center.

You're getting more for your money if you get a "blended" breed. Based on the well-established principle of "hybrid vigor," a blend-breed pet is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Many purebred dogs are prone to developing health problems specific to their breed.

A pet purchased from a pet store is a complete unknown. And, once you walk out of the store, you are on your own. Most pet stores don't provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet.

When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life. When you buy a pet, you not only deny a orphaned pet a home, you are supporting an industry that flourishes on short-changing the welfare of pets. Puppy and kitten mills are in business to make a profit, so they whip out puppies and kittens as fast as they can.

You get just as much love (if not more). An adopted pet is every bit as loving, smart and devoted as a purchased pet.